Hero Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฆธ
Add to dictionary

hero

[หˆhษชษ™rษ™สŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in stories

A person who is admired for their courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities.

Synonyms

champion, protagonist, savior.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
hero

Used to describe someone admired for bravery, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities. Commonly found in stories, myths, or real-life scenarios where someone performs extraordinary feats.

  • He became a hero by saving the children from the burning building
champion

Often refers to a person who has defeated all rivals in a competition, someone who supports a cause or defends someone else. It is frequently used in sports and contests.

  • She is the reigning champion in the national chess tournament
protagonist

Mainly used in literature, film, and storytelling to describe the central character or leading figure in a narrative. The focus is more on the role they play in the story rather than their moral qualities.

  • The protagonist of the novel faced numerous challenges before finding happiness
savior

Describes someone who rescues others from danger, difficulty, or harm. Often has religious or spiritual connotations, but can also be used in general contexts.

  • The doctor was seen as the savior of the town after stopping the epidemic

Examples of usage

  • He was considered a national hero for his actions during the war.
  • She is a true hero in the eyes of her fans.
  • The hero of the story saved the day with his bravery.
Context #2 | Noun

in real life

A person who is noted for courageous acts or nobility of character.

Synonyms

brave person, idol, role model.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
hero

Used to describe someone who is admired for their courage or outstanding achievements. Often used in stories, media, and to refer to individuals who have performed significant acts of bravery.

  • The firefighter was hailed as a hero for saving the family from the burning building
brave person

Describes someone who shows courage in difficult or dangerous situations. This term is often used in everyday conversation and can apply to both small acts of bravery and significant ones.

  • She's a brave person for standing up to the bully in school
role model

Used to describe someone who others look up to and try to emulate, often in terms of behavior, values, and success. Commonly used in educational or developmental contexts.

  • She is a role model for young girls aspiring to enter the engineering field
idol

Refers to someone who is highly admired and looked up to, often used in the context of fan culture and celebrities. It can have a broader application to anyone who inspires great admiration.

  • The young musician looked up to her as an idol

Examples of usage

  • The firefighters were hailed as heroes for rescuing the family.
  • She became a hero in the community for her work with the homeless.
Context #3 | Noun

in mythology

A being of godlike prowess and beneficence who often came to be honored as a divinity.

Synonyms

divine being, legendary figure, mythological character.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
hero

Used to describe someone admired for bravery, achievements, or noble qualities. Commonly seen in stories, real-life scenarios, and discussions about overcoming challenges.

  • The firefighter was hailed as a hero for rescuing the children from the burning building.
  • In the book, the hero battles against evil forces to save the kingdom.
legendary figure

Used to describe well-known characters from folklore, myths, or historical tales whose deeds have been exaggerated over time.

  • King Arthur is a legendary figure known for his knights and the quest for the Holy Grail.
  • Robin Hood is a legendary figure who, according to tales, stole from the rich to give to the poor.
mythological character

Refers to characters from myths, typically ancient stories that explain natural phenomena, cultural traditions, or beliefs. These characters often have supernatural qualities or partake in fantastic adventures.

  • Zeus is a prominent mythological character in Greek mythology, known as the king of the gods.
  • The Minotaur is a mythological character that lived in a labyrinth and was eventually defeated by Theseus.
divine being

Refers to a god or deity, a supernatural figure with divine attributes. Typically mentioned in religious or spiritual contexts.

  • In many cultures, the sun is worshipped as a divine being.
  • The ancient Greeks believed in multiple divine beings, each governing different aspects of the world.

Examples of usage

  • Zeus was one of the prominent heroes in Greek mythology.
  • Heroes such as Hercules and Achilles were known for their extraordinary strength.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In classical literature, heroes like Odysseus and Achilles faced great challenges and showed bravery.
  • Many stories depict the 'hero's journey,' a common plot where a character goes on an adventure and comes back changed.
  • Contemporary heroes can be everyday people who perform acts of kindness and bravery without superpowers.

Psychology

  • Studies show that having heroes can inspire individuals to aspire to high moral standards and help others.
  • Heroic qualities often include empathy, resilience, and a willingness to take risks for others' well-being.
  • The concept of a hero serves as a powerful motivator, influencing peopleโ€™s values and behavior in society.

Pop Culture

  • Superheroes like Spider-Man and Wonder Woman have become modern icons of bravery and justice in films and comics.
  • Movies and books often depict heroes battling villains, representing the struggle between good and evil.
  • Reality TV and social media have created new types of heroes, showcasing ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things.

History

  • Throughout history, figures like Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela have been celebrated as heroes for their leadership and sacrifices for justice.
  • Military heroes, such as veterans and those awarded medals for valor, are honored for their bravery in service.
  • Cultural heroes can emerge in times of crisis, uniting people and providing hope through their actions and words.

Origin of 'hero'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hero' comes from the Greek word 'heros,' meaning a protector or defender.
  • In ancient Greece, heroes were often demi-gods, associated with great stories and quests.
  • The idea of a hero has evolved, from epic tales of warriors to modern interpretations in films and books.

The word 'hero' originated from the Greek word 'heros', meaning a demi-god or a person of great strength and courage. In ancient Greek mythology, heroes were often depicted as figures with extraordinary abilities and were celebrated for their noble deeds. Over time, the concept of heroism has evolved to encompass individuals who display bravery, selflessness, and exceptional qualities in various fields. Heroes continue to inspire and captivate people's imaginations, serving as symbols of hope, courage, and resilience.


See also: her, herd, hers, herself.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,995, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.